Analysis

Qatar’s Continued Commitment to Protecting Migrant Rights

At the end of April, Qatar’s Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA), Issa Saad Al Jafali, attended the opening of the United Nations’ International Labor Organization (ILO) office in Doha. Minister Al Jafali was joined by ILO Deputy Director for Field Operations Moussa Oumaro, ILO Arab States Regional Director Ruba Jaradat, and the General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation Sharan Burrow.

The opening of the ILO office in Doha is a testament to its commitment to protect the rights of workers and reflective of Qatar’s commitment to ensuring its completion of the National Development Strategy 2018-2022, part of Qatar’s Vision 2030. In late 2017, Qatar and the ILO devised a joint 3 pillar program to strengthen national labor laws, build on the government’s ability and capacity to enforce new legislation, and ensure that employment practices in the nation are in line with global best practices.

At the opening of the ILO office, Minister Al Jafali stated,

“Today is a special day for the State of Qatar and our friendship with the ILO… We welcome the opening of the Office and reiterate our commitment to the implementation of this comprehensive programme which is fully in line with international standards and best practices, as well as with Qatar’s National Development Strategy 2018-2022.”

ILO Deputy Director Moussa Oumarou followed by stating,

“The opening of this office is testament to the commitment of the State of Qatar to safeguard workers’ rights… Important work remains ahead, but I am confident that by collaborating closely with our partners we will ensure decent working and living conditions for workers across Qatar.”

The Qatar-America Institute provides information on the U.S.-Qatari strategic relationship in an effort to enhance the vital partnership between Washington, D.C. and Doha, as well as the enduring friendship among the Qatari and American people.